Petersburg, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
33,537
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,698/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
18,075
0.3% year-over-year change

Petersburg population

How many people live in Petersburg

Petersburg is home to 33,537 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.2% of Petersburg locals are male, and 54.8% are female.

Total population
33,537
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.2%
15,143
Female
54.8%
18,394
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,143 45.2% 0.6%
Female 18,394 54.8% 0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Petersburg is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.1% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.1%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
28%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,067 21.1% 5.8%
15 to 24 3,757 11.2% -0.3%
25 to 44 9,398 28% 1.1%
45 to 64 7,681 22.9% -3.5%
Over 65 5,634 16.8% -0.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Petersburg, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 15.2% of locals are Caucasian, 76.5% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.5%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 31,174 93% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,511 4.5% -2.6%
Non-citizens 852 2.5% 30.7%
Racial breakdown
White
15.2%
Black or African American
76.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 5,094 15.2%
Black or African American 25,663 76.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 22 0.1%
Asian 433 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 31 0.1%
Two or more races 1,742 5.2%
Other 552 1.6%

Households in Petersburg

A peek inside Petersburg households

Petersburg has 15,138 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 42.9% are families, while the remaining 57.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,138
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,639
Family households
6,499
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,639 57.1% 5.6%
Family households 6,499 42.9% -2.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Petersburg

The housing landscape of Petersburg

Petersburg's housing consists of 18,075 units, with 50.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
18,075
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,180 50.8%
1 unit, attached 548 3%
2 units 837 4.6%
3 or 4 units 2,491 13.8%
5 to 9 units 778 4.3%
10 to 19 units 1,059 5.9%
20 to 49 units 1,240 6.9%
50 or more units 1,695 9.4%
Mobile home 247 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
195
112.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Petersburg

In Petersburg, the median construction year is 1970. About 16.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,997 16.6% 4.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,308 7.2% -5.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,549 14.1% -4.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,139 11.8% -3.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,976 16.5% -17.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,901 10.5% 20.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,254 6.9% 17.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,574 8.7% 12.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,182 6.5% 1.6%
Built in 2020 or later 195 1.1% 112.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Petersburg occupancy rates

Out of the 15,138 occupied housing units in Petersburg, 38.6% are owner-occupied, while 61.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,138
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,292
Owner occupied
5,846
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,292 61.4% 1.3%
Owner occupied 5,846 38.6% 2.9%
Unoccupied housing units
16.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Petersburg housing costs

Housing costs in Petersburg come to a median of $1,147 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,174.

Median housing costs per month
$1,147/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Petersburg
$1,174/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Petersburg

Petersburg education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Petersburg went to high school, while 21.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 14.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,408 5.5% 2.9%
High school diploma 10,463 41% -5.0%
College diploma 5,460 21.4% 5.4%
Associate degree 2,060 8.1% -2.5%
Bachelor's degree 3,757 14.7% -0.0%
Graduate degree 2,387 9.4% 5.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Petersburg

How much people earn in Petersburg

The average annual household income in Petersburg was $62,592 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,698, reflecting a -0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Petersburg
$62,592/year
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Petersburg
$50,698/year
-0.1% year-over-year change

Petersburg income by age

In Petersburg, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $52,866. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,769 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,022, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,033 in earnings. Overall, 78.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,022 N/A
25 - 44 $52,866 1.1%
45 - 64 $63,769 0.3%
Over 65 $38,033 -3.3%
Above poverty level
25,483
Below poverty level
7,125
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 25,483 78.2% -0.2%
Below poverty level 7,125 21.8% 3.4%

Average renter income in Petersburg

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Petersburg, their median household income was $42,669 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,669
Rent-to-income ratio
33%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Petersburg

Workforce and job types in Petersburg

The job market in Petersburg is powered by 14,460 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.7% run their own businesses, 70.3% are employed by private companies, and 22.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
14,460
2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
10,717
Blue collar
3,743
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,717 74.1% 3.5%
Blue collar 3,743 25.9% -0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
3.7%
Private companies
70.3%
Governmental workers
22.8%
Not for profit companies
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 534 3.7% -23.9%
Private companies 10,160 70.3% 6.5%
Governmental workers 3,292 22.8% -3.9%
Not for profit companies 474 3.3% 2.2%
Unemployment rate
10.0%
-11.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Petersburg stands at 10%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Petersburg

How people get around in Petersburg

Commuting methods vary: 82.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,939 82.2% 0.4%
Taxicab 145 1% -26.4%
Bus or trolleybus 457 3.2% 5.5%
Railroad 76 0.5% -6.2%
Motorcycle 37 0.2% 19.4%
Walk 78 0.5% -50.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Petersburg by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
23803 42,012 16,767 $57,813 $72,650
23805 21,408 8,754 $60,807 $79,818

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FAQs about Petersburg demographics 

What is the total population of Petersburg?

Petersburg has a total population of 33,537 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Petersburg?

The gender ratio in Petersburg is as follows:
  • 45.2% males (15,143 residents)
  • 54.8% females (18,394 residents)

What is the median age in Petersburg?

The median age in Petersburg is 35.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Petersburg?

The age distribution in Petersburg is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.1% (7,067 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (3,757 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28% (9,398 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (7,681 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.8% (5,634 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Petersburg?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Petersburg is as follows:
  • White: 15.2% (5,094 residents)
  • Black or African American: 76.5% (25,663 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (22 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (433 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (31 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (1,742 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (552 residents)

What percentage of the population in Petersburg are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Petersburg.

How many housing units are there in Petersburg?

There are 18,075 housing units in Petersburg, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Petersburg and what is the average household size?

Petersburg has a total of 15,138 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Petersburg?

Petersburg has a median household income of $50,698, representing a -0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Petersburg?

The employment rate is 90% in Petersburg, with a workforce of 14,460 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.1% (10,717 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.9% (3,743 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.7% (534 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.3% (10,160 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.8% (3,292 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.3% (474 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025